Partition support system

ABSTRACT

A support system for movable partitions has an elongate foot or baseplate having a lower surface engaging a supporting surface and a portion on an upper surface thereof for locating and supporting an upstanding elongate tubular socket member which receives a lower end portion of an elongate post member therein which has portions thereof positioned to receive wall-defining panel units. The socket member has portions positioned to receive and hold fastening members extending through apertures in the footplate for securing same together. Fastening means secure the footplate to the supporting surface and secure the post member to the socket member.

United States Patent [54] PARTITION SUPPORT SYSTEM 5 Claims, 6 Drawing Figs.

[52] U.S.Cl

(72] Inventor 52/298, 52/239 [51] Int. Cl E04b 2/78 [50] Field of Search 52/239,

[56] References Cited UNITED STATES PATENTS 9/1938 Mitchell 2,963,131 l2/l960 Brockway 52/239 3,245,181 4/1966 Stephenson 52/298 3,327,440 6/1967 Watkins 248/44X 3,147,518 9/1964 Horgan 52/455 Primary Examiner.lohn E. Murtagh Attorney-Fishbum, Gold & Litman ABSTRACT: A support system for movable partitions has an elongate foot or baseplate having a lower surface engaging a supporting surface and a portion on an upper surface thereof for locating and supporting an upstanding elongate tubular socket member which receives a lower end portion of an elongate post member therein which has portions thereof positioned to receive wall-defining panel units. The socket member has portions positioned to receive and hold fastening members extending through apertures in the footplate for securing same together. Fastening means secure the footplate to the supporting surface and secure the post member to the socket member.

PATENTEU JUN 8197! SHEET 1 1F 2 ATTORNEYS PATENTED JUN 8 I911 SHEET 2 UF 2 mvzsmoa David H. La (iue ATTORNEYS The present invention relates generally to partition systems and more particularly to a novel post support structure having cooperating interengaging components.

base structure for partition posts have heretofore been made by metal casting requiring extensive machine work and polishing or by welding sections in a fabricated structure that has also been time consuming and expensive or have exposed fastening devices which detract from the streamlined appearance which is desirable in such structures.

The principal objects of the present invention are: to provide a partition support structure having cooperating interengaging components adapted to be made of metal extrusions; to provide such a partition support structure having a post structure with a footplate and a tubular socket upstanding thereon; to provide such a partition support system formed of extruded components adapted to interlock with a plurality of types of post members; to provide such a partition support system particularly adapted for supporting rails and partitions which are spaced from a floor; to provide such a partition support system which is economical to manufacture, is of attractive appearance, is easily assembled, is strong and durable in use, and is particularly well adapted for the proposed use.

Other objects and advantages of this invention will become apparent from the following description taken in connection with the accompanying drawings wherein are set forth by way of illustration and example certain embodiments of this invention.

lFlG. l is an elevational view of a low rail partition having partition support members therein embodying features of the present invention.

FIG. 2 is an enlarged front elevational view of the partition support members.

FIG. 3 is an enlarged side elevational view of the partition support members.

H6. 4 is a transverse sectional view taken on line 4-4, HO. 2, showing fastening bosses and a post member within a tubular socket member.

H6. 5 is a transverse sectional view similar to FIG. 4 except showing a modified post member received within the socket member.

FIG. 6 is an enlarged fragmentary front elevational view of a partition having the modified post member with portions broken away to better show the components of the support system.

Referring more in detail to the drawings:

The reference numeral ll generally designates a partition, which in the illustrated structure may be a low rail or glazed rail-type wherein panel units 2 have a lower edge 3 spaced above a supporting surface 4 or floor and an upper edge 5 spaced below a ceiling surface (not shown).

The partition includes posts 6 mounted on foot members 7. The foot members '7 each have an elongate baseplate 8 with a lower surface 9 for engaging the supporting surface 4. The footor baseplate 3 has a portion ill) for supporting and centering a socket member ill on an upper surface 12 thereof. The portion lltl as shown in raised above end flanges l3 and extends for the width between opposite side edges 14 and 15 of the foot or baseplate h. The portion lltl has raised edges 10 forming a recess 16 therebetween sized to receive and center a lower end of the socket member 11 therein, as later described, thereby interlocking same within the footor baseplate 3. The baseplate is adapted to form by extrusion and cutting to the desired width and finishing the side edges l4 and 115.

in the illustrated structure, the raised portion it) is centered on the footor baseplate 3 and there are spaced apertures 17 and lb through the baseplate 8 within the recess 16. The apertures l7 and lit have countersunk portions opening from the lower surface 59 to receive heads of fastening members 19 and 243 respectively, as later described. Aperture 21 extends through each of the flanges H3 in spaced relation to opposite ends 22 and 23 of the baseplate 8 for receiving anchor members 24 and 25 respectively for securing the baseplate 8 to the supporting surface 4. The apertures 21 may be countersunk at the upper surface 12 whereby the anchor members 24 and 25 may be of the flat head type with the top thereof flush with the upper surface 12.

The elongate tubular socket member lll has a lower end 27 engageable with the raised portion 10 so as to extend upwardly from the baseplate 3 to receive a post member 6 therein. In the illustrated structure, the socket member it is a generally rectangular member having a pair of sidewalls 23 and 29 in facing relation and having exterior surfaces thereof in registry with the opposite side edges 14 and 15 of the baseplate 8. Another pair of facing socket member sidewalls 3t] and 31 extend between the sidewalls 28 and 29. The sidewalls 30 and 31 are positioned substantially normal to the opposite edges 14 and 15 of the baseplate 8 and in registry with edges of the raised portion 10.

Bosses 32 and 33 extend inwardly from the facing interior surfaces of the sidewalls 28 and 29 and the bosses 32 and 33 extend upwardly from the lower end 27 of the socket member 11 and terminate at shoulders 34 and 35 respectively which are spaced below an upper end 36 of the tubular socket member ll.

In the illustrated structure, the bosses 32 and 33 each have a pair of inwardly extending arcuate arms 37 and 38. Free ends 39 and 40 of the arcuate arms 37 and 38 are in spaced relation whereby the arcuate arms 37 and 38 define a generally cylindrical space having an interior diameter less than the fastening members 19 and 20, whereby the arms 37 and 38 of the bosses 32 and 33 firmly engage the respective fastening member 19 and 20 in firm gripping engagement. it is preferred that the socket member be of aluminum and the fastening member be self-tapping screws. Also the socket member is adapted to be formed by extrusion of long lengths and cut to length and then the bosses machined off at one end to form the shoulders 34 and 35.

It may be desirable to provide decorative treatment on the exterior surface of the exposed sidewalls of the socket member 11, therefore, the sidewalls 30 and 31 have decorative treatment, as indicated at 41, of any suitable design compatible with the panel units 2.

in the illustrated structure, the post member 6 has a web portion 42 extending between spaced, substantially parallel flanges 43 and 44. The flanges 43 and 44 are shaped to have recesses 45 and 46 respectively in exterior surfaces thereof with the recesses 45 and 46 being sized and positioned to provide clearance between the flanges 43 and 44 and the bosses 32 and 33 respectively. The flanges 43 and 44 are also sized to be received within the recess 16 of the baseplate 8, thereby interlocking same therein. The panel units 2 are received between the flanges 43 and 44 with the exterior surfaces of the flanges 43 and 44 and the recesses 45 and 46 therein being exposed above the upper end 36 of the socket member 11, thereby providing an attractive design feature contrasting with the exterior surfaces of the wall panel units 2.

The baseplate 3 is an extruded member which is cut transversely to the desired width and finished to form the side edges 14 and T5. The apertures 17 and 18 are drilled through the recessed portion 16 and countersunk at the lower surface 9 and the apertures 21 are drilled through the end flanges 13 adjacent the opposite ends 22 and 23 and countersunk at the upper surface 12. The socket member 11 is also an extruded member which is cut transversely for the desired length. The lower end 27 is finished square to seat. on the baseplate 8 and the upper end 36 is chamfered or otherwise finished to provide a design element. The bosses 32 and 33 are cut off and removed to a selected point below the upper end 36 to form the shoulders 34 and 35.

In use the baseplates 8 are positioned on the support surface 4 and properly spaced in an aligned relation. A socket member ll is mounted on each baseplate 3 by extending the fastening members 19 and 20 through the apertures 17 and 13 and into the bosses 32 and 33 respectively. The post members 6 are then positioned within the respective socket members ll. and the lower ends thereof are received in the respective recesses 16. The panel units 2 are positioned between the flanges 43 and 340f the post members 6. The anchor mem bers 243 and 25 are placed in the apertures 21 at the opposite ends 22 and 23 of the baseplate 8 to secure same to the supporting surface 4 thereby providing a substantially rigid support structure for the partition 1.

FIG. illustrates a modified post member 50 which is a generally H-shaped member having a web portion 51 extending between substantially parallel planar flange portions 52 and 53 in facing relation. The modified post member 50 is positioned in a tubular socket member 54 which is generally a rectangular member having sidewalls 55 arranged in opposing pairs of facing sidewalls with bosses 56 and 57 extending inwardly from facing interior surfaces of one pair of the sidewalls 55 of the tubular socket member 54. The flange portions 52 and 53 are positioned to receive suitable post-fastening means, such as setscrews 58, extending through apertures 59 in the respective sidewalls S5 of the socket member 54. The apertures 59 are positioned adjacent upper and lower ends of the socket member 54 and may be countersunk at the exterior surfaces whereby the screws 58 may have flat heads thereby being flush with the exterior surfaces and providing an attractive appearance. The web portion 51 is positioned between the bosses 56 and S7 and panel units 60 are received between the flange portions 52 and S3.

The socket member 54 is supported on a baseplate 61 having a raised portion 62 thereon. The baseplate 61 is an elongate member and is positioned substantially normal to and immediately below the panel units 60. The baseplate 61 has a recess 63 in the raised portion 62 which is sized to receive the lower end of the socket member 54 and the lower end of the modified post member 50 therein.

in use, the socket member 54 is secured to the baseplate 60 by fastening members 64 and 65 extending through the baseplate 60 and into the bosses 56 and 57. The modified post member 50 is secured within the socket member 54 by a plurality of the setscrews 53 extending through countersunk apertures 59 through the sidewalls S5 of the socket member 54 and into the flanges 52 and 53. The panel units 60 are then positioned between adjacent post members 50 and are received between the flanges 52 and 53 thereof. The opposite ends of the elongate baseplate 60 are then secured to the respective supporting surface in a manner similar to the baseplate 8.

The tubular socket member 54 may be turned 90 as illustrated in FIG. 6, so that the flange portions 52 and 53 will engage shoulders 67 and 68 formed by terminating the bosses 56 and 57 respectively below an upper end of the socket member 5G3. The baseplate is thereby positioned substantially parallel with and immediately below the panel units 60.

The partition support structure illustrated in FIG. 6 is installed in a manner similar to that for the support structure illustrated in FIG. 5 except that only the upper screws 58 adjacent the upper ends of the respective sidewalls 55 engage the flanges 52 and 53 to secure the post member 50 within the socket member 54. Suitable plugs such as the setscrew 53 may be installed in the lower apertures 59 to close same and provide a finished appearance for the socket member.

It is to be understood that, while I have illustrated and described certain forms of my invention, it is not to be limited to these specific forms or arrangement of parts herein described and shown.

What I claim and desire to secure by Letters Patent is:

1. A post and footing structure for movable partitions comprising:

a. a footplate having an upper surface,

b. an elongate tubular socket member engageable with said upper surface of said footplate,

c. socket fastening means associated with said footplate and said socket member for securing same together,

d. said socket-fastening means including a plurality of elon gate bosses within said tubular socket member, a like plurality of apertures through said footplate, each of said apertures being aligned with a respective boss in said socket member, and a plurality of elongate fastening members each extending through a respective aperture and into the respective boss aligned therewith,

c. said bosses extending inwardly from facing interior surfaces of said tubular socket member and upwardly from a lower end thereof and terminating below an upper end thereof forming a shoulder,

f. a post member received within said socket member, said post member being shaped to engage said shoulders for support thereon.

2. A post and footing structure for movable partitions comprising:

a. a footplate having an upper surface,

b. an elongate tubular socket member engageable with said upper surface of said footplate,

c. socket-fastening means associated with said footplate and said socket member for securing same together,

d. said socket-fastening means including a plurality of elongate bosses within said tubular socket member, a like plurality of apertures through said footplate, each of said apertures being aligned with a respective boss in said socket member, and a plurality of elongate fastening members each extending through a respective aperture and into the respective boss aligned therewith,

e. said bosses each having a pair of inwardly extending arcuate arms with said pair of arcuate arms each having free ends thereof in spaced apart relation and defining a generally cylindrical space having an interior diameter less than said respective fastening member whereby said arms firmly engage same in gripping engagement,

. said tubular socket member being a rectangular member having opposed pairs of sidewalls,

g. a post member received within said socket member,

h. said post member being a generally H-shaped member having a web portion extending between substantially parallel flange portions in facing relation, said flange portions being in position to receive said post fastening means, and said web portion being positioned between said bosses.

3. The post and footing structure as set forth in claim 2 wherein:

a. said footplate is a portion transversely cut from an extruded member; and

b. said socket member is a portion transversely cut from an extruded member.

4. A partition support system comprising:

a. an elongate footplate having a raised portion on an upper surface thereof, said raised portion being centered on said footplate,

b. an elongate generally rectangular tubular socket member having a lower end engageable with said raised portion of said footplate,

c. socket-fastening means associated with said footplate and said socket member for securing same together,

d. said socket-fastening means including a pair of elongate bosses in facing relation within said tubular socket member, each of said bosses extending inwardly from a respective facing interior surface of said tubular socket member, said bosses each extending upwardly from said lower end of said socket member and terminating below an upper end thereof forming a shoulder,

e. a pair of apertures through said footplate, said apertures each being aligned with a respective boss in said socket member,

f. a plurality of elongate fastening members each extending through a respective aperture and into the respective boss aligned therewith,

g. said raised portion of said footplate having a recess therein sized to receive a lower end of said socket member thereby interlocking same within said footplate,

h. said socket member having a pair of sidewalls having exterior surfaces thereof in registry with opposite edges of said footplate,

i. said footplate having end flange portions extending beyond another pair of socket member sidewalls with said end portions having apertures therethrough for receiving anchor members extending into the supporting surface,

j. an elongate post member having a lower end sized and shaped to be received within said socket member and engage interior surfaces thereof,

k. post-fastening means associated with said socket member and with said post member for securing same together,

I. footplate-fastening means associated with said footplate for securing same to a supporting surface,

m. said post member having a web portion extending between spaced substantially parallel flanges,

n. said flanges of said post member each having a recess in an exterior surface thereof positioned to clear the respective bosses in said socket member, with said flanges being positioned to receive wall-defining panel units therebetween.

5. A post and footing structure for movable partitions comprising:

a. a footplate having an upper surface,

b. an elongate tubular socket member having an end engaging said upper surface,

c. a plurality of elongate opposed bosses within said tubular socket member and extending inwardly from interior surfaces of said socket member,

d. spaced apertures through the footplate with each of said apertures being aligned with a respective boss in said socket member,

. a plurality of elongate fastening members each extending through a respective aperture and. into the respective boss aligned therewith, an elongate post member having opposed exterior surfaces, said post member having an end portion received within the socket member with said exterior surfaces engaged with opposed interior surfaces of said socket member,

g. said post member extending upwardly from the footplate and having opposed channels to receive wall-defining panel units,

h. fastening means associated with said socket member and post member securing same together.

Disclaimer 3,583,116.David H. La Gue, Kansas City, Mo. PARTITION SUPPORT SYSTEM. Patent dated June 8, 1971. Disclaimer filed Oct. 6, 1972, by the assignee, The Glen OBrien Movable Partition 00., Inc.

Hereby enters this disclaimer to all claims of said patent.

[Ofiicial Gazette November 6, 1.973.] 

1. A post and footing structure for movable partitions comprising: a. a footplate having an upper surface, b. an elongate tubular socket member engageable with said upper surface of said footplate, c. socket-fastening means associated with said footplate and said socket member for securing same together, d. said socket-fastening means including a plurality of elongate bosses within said tubular socket member, a like plurality of apertures through said footplate, each of said apertures being aligned with a respective boss in said socket member, and a plurality of elongate fastening members each extending through a respective aperture and into the respective boss aligned therewith, e. said bosses extending inwardly from facing interior surfaces of said tubular socket member and upwardly from a lower end thereof and terminating below an upper end thereof forming a shoulder, f. a post member received within said socket member, said post member being shaped to engage said shoulders for support thereon.
 2. A post and footing structure for movable partitions comprising: a. a footplate having an upper surface, b. an elongate tubular socket member engageable with said upper surface of said footplate, c. socket-fastening means associated with said footplate and said socket member for securing same together, d. said socket-fastening means including a plurality of elongate bosses within said tubular socket member, a like plurality of apertures through said footplate, each of said apertures being aligned with a respective boss in said socket member, and a plurality of elongate fastening members each extending through a respective aperture and into the respective boss aligned therewith, e. said bosses each having a pair of inwardly extending arcuate arms with said pair of arcuate arms each having free ends thereof in spaced apart relation and defining a generally cylindrical space having an interior diameter less than said respective fastening member whereby said arms firmly engage same in gripping engagement, f. said tubular socket member being a rectangular member having opposed pairs of sidewalls, g. a post member received within said socket member, h. said post member being a generally H-shaped member having a web portion extending between substantially parallel flange portions in facing relation, said flange portions being in position to receive said post fastening means, and said web portion being positioned between said bosses.
 3. The post and footing structure as set forth in claim 2 wherein: a. said footplate is a portion transversely cut from an extruded member; and b. said socket member is a portion transversely cut from an extruded member.
 4. A partition support system comprising: a. an elongate footplate having a raised portion on an upper surface thereof, said raised portion being centered on said footplate, b. an elongate generally rectangular tubular socket member having a lower end engageable with said raised portion of said footplate, c. socket-fastening means associated with said footplate and said socket member for securing same together, d. said socket-fastening means including a pair of elongate bosses in facing relation within said tubular socket member, each of said bosses extending inwardly from a respective facing interior surface of said tubular socket member, said bosses each extending upwardly from said lower end of said socket member and terminating below an upper end thereof forming a shoulder, e. a pair of apertures through said footplate, said apertures each being aligned with a respective boss in said socket member, f. a plurality of elongate fastening members each extending through a respective aperture and into the respective boss aligned therewith, g. said raised portion of said footplate having a recess therein sized to receive a lower end of said socket member thereby interlocking same within said footplate, h. said socket member having a pair of sidewalls having exterior surfaces thereof in registry with opposite edges of said footplate, i. said footplate having end flange portions extending beyond another pair of socket member sidewalls with said end portions having apertures therethrough for receiving anchor members extending into the supporting surface, j. an elongate post member having a lower end sized and shaped to be received within said socket member and engage interior surfaces thereof, k. post-fastening means associated with said socket member and with said post member for securing same together, l. footplate-fastening means associated with said footplate for securing same to a supporting surface, m. said post member having a web portion extending between spaced substantially parallel flanges, n. said flanges of said post member each having a recess in an exterior surface thereof positioned to clear the respective bosses in said socket member, with said flanges being positioned to receive wall-defining panel units therebetween.
 5. A post and footing structure for movable partitions comprising: a. a footplate having an upper surface, b. an elongate tubular socket member having an end engaging said upper surface, c. a plurality of elongate opposed bosses within said tubular socket member and extending inwardly from interior surfaces of said socket member, d. spaced apertures through the footplate with each of said apertures being aligned with a respective boss in said socket member, e. a plurality of elongate fastening members each extending through a respective aperture and into the respective boss aligned therewith, f. an elongate post member having opposed exterior surfaces, said post member having an end portion received within the socket member with said exterior surfaces engaged with opposed interior surfaces of said socket member, g. said post member extending upwardly from the footplate and having opposed channels to receive wall-defining panel units, h. fastening means associated with said socket member and post member securing same together. 